Intrusion detection systems are ubiquitous defenses in today's networks. Fast Capture of traffic and analysis is crucial to dealing with intrusions. Research has proven that ever increasing traffic loads on today's networks has opened a security hole in our defenses. While operating under heavy loads, many of the currently deployed IDS's cannot cope with the onslaught. Rather than simply slowing down, some of these systems actually begin skipping packets, allowing long streams of traffic to pass through uninspected.

The latest intrusions provide new evidence that a battle is heating up between the U.S. and potential adversaries over the data networks that tie the world together. The revelations follow a recent Wall Street Journal report that computers used to control the U.S. electrical-distribution system, as well as other infrastructure, have also been infiltrated by spies abroad. Attacks like these have escalated. Military, civilian, and private companies are affected.